My mum living her life so happily
Cancer happening silently
A disease developing while no-one knew
The cancer within just grew and grew

Before we knew the cancer took hold
I was with her when bad news was told
How do feel when faced with this
I held my mum tight and gave her a kiss

The seconds that passed were the death of me
Truth be told I wished it was me
How do I even begin to cope
Now that my life has lost all hope

I knew when I saw the doctor's face
That my mum would leave the human race
We sat in a room, did nothing but cry
Searching for answers and asking why

How do I cope now my mum is not here
Her love and support are not so near
I long to hold her close to me
Only then my sadness will be finally free

Choices

There are men who choose no army more
Who opt to go to lands ashore
Engage in jobs that seem surreal
Yet most of society will never feel

Protection is their only aim
Not looking for people to kill and maim
Safeguarding those who want to rebuild
Who are experts in their given field

The dangers they face each day and night
Cannot comprehend their woeful plight
The burdens they carry, must be such a load
Hoping each day for an even road

To most of the nation, you are a stranger
But for our country, you are in danger
I have to admire your choice of route
On behalf of the ignorant, I have to salute

Repatriation
The leviathan of the sky does land
In England’s green and pleasant Land
Its cargo is more precious than gold
The body of a hero, bold

Once the giants’ engines stopped
The cargo ramp is gently dropped
Carried by six on shoulders true
The hero is saluted by the crew

The coffin draped in a union jack
Is slowly carried out the back
Out of the dark and into light
Slowly down the ramp and to the right

The six approach the hearse all black
And place the hero gently in the back
The six then turn and march away
Their duty has been done this day

Politicians usually have much to say
No sign of them near here today
They hide away and out of danger
Much easier if the hero is a stranger

The hearse with its precious load
Moves slowly out onto the road
The floral tributes line the route
While comrades snap a smart salute

At the edge of a Wiltshire town
The cortege slows its pace right down
The streets are packed, many deep
Some throw flowers, most just weep

The crowd have come to say farewell
The church bell rings a low death knell
Regimental standards are lowered down
As the hero passes through the town

The cortege stops and silence reigns
The townsfolk feel the family’s pain
The nations’ flag lowered to half mast
Our brave hero is home at last

Sgt Andy McFarlane, 2009.